What to do when your car's service book goes missing
Has your service book gone missing, or did you buy a used car without a service book? This is not an uncommon situation to be in and luckily there are other ways of keeping track of your car’s service history and maintaining the warranty of the car.
Losing your car’s service book can be a frustrating experience but fear not—there are practical steps you can take to ensure the continued maintenance and documentation of your vehicle’s service history. In this guide, we will outline the necessary actions for car owners facing the challenge of a missing service book.
Why is a service book relevant?
In the past, a service book in paper form was the go-to place for information about services carried out on a car. However, there was also a risk that it would get lost over time between different owners of the car or be forgotten when the car was in for service. Thereby, the service history in the service book would be incomplete, making it difficult to prove that the service plan had been adhered to in case of warranty issues.
Most workshops will present car owners with an invoice proving what has been checked or changed on the car. But again, these invoices would often get lost – and with them, proof of service.
If your service book has gone missing – or did not come with the car you purchased there are several steps you can take:
Contact the manufacturer or dealership
The first step is to reach out to the car manufacturer or the dealership where you purchased the vehicle. They may be able to provide you with a duplicate service book or, at the very least, offer guidance on how to proceed. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and any other relevant details on hand to expedite the process.
Obtain service records
If the manufacturer or dealership is unable to provide a replacement service book, try to obtain your car’s service records from the places where you have had maintenance or repairs done. Most workshops keep detailed records of the work performed on your vehicle, and they can provide you with a printout or electronic copy. Often, they will also be able to obtain the car’s service history from an online OE portal if the car brand makes use of such service.
See a list of car brands that make use of electronic service records
Use online maintenance platforms
Take advantage of online tools and platforms that allow you to track and document your vehicle’s maintenance history. Many apps and websites are designed specifically for this purpose, enabling you to input service details, set reminders for upcoming maintenance, and access your car’s history from any device.
One such platform is Digital Servicebook, which was designed to give workshops and car owners the best overview of service history across all car brands. With Digital Servicebook it is possible to create a full-service history based on available data from M.O.T., services carried out by workshops and registered digitally as well as the history that might be available in paper form.
The platform is free to use for car owners and makes it easy to get a car serviced regardless of workshop as the history is available in digital form. Digital Servicebook is available on all devices and even comes with an app, which makes it easy to keep track of the service history of all the family’s cars.
All hope is not lost
As you can see, losing your car’s service book may present challenges, but with proactive steps and the assistance of relevant parties, you can effectively manage and maintain a comprehensive service history for your vehicle. By taking the initiative to recreate or replace the service book, you ensure the longevity and reliability of your car while safeguarding its resale value.
If you have questions about registration and documentation of service with Digital Servicebook, do not hesitate to Contact us.
Learn more about Digital Servicebook:
